On May 21st, Los Angeles will be the largest electorate to date to vote on instructing their congressional representatives to work to overturn the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision via Proposition C. Proposition C reads:

Shall the Voters adopt a resolution that there should be limits on political campaign spending and that corporations should not have the constitutional rights of human beings and instruct Los Angeles elected officials and area legislative representatives to promote that policy through amendments to the United States Constitution?

The Citizens United decision has directly led to larger independent spending in the Los Angeles mayoral primary accounting for about a quarter of all spending during the primary, independent spending (that is, political spending that is technically not coordinated with candidate campaigns) accounted for about a quarter of all spending - approximately $3.2 million compared to candidate spending of approximately $9.3 million. Even in the District 4 Los Angeles School board race in March, over $3 million was spent from independent groups.

"In the March 5th primary, only 20% of registered voters turned out for the election. We think Proposition C will energize voters in Los Angeles giving them the chance to weigh in on a major the national issue - how to curb the dominance of money in politics over the voices of voters," said Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause.

"The loudest voice in any election should be that of the people. Voting for this initiative says to the special interests - 'Enough's enough'," said Eric Garcetti.

"Our democratic process is about giving a voice to the people and the issues that make a difference in their lives. When corporations participate in elections, they should have the same duties and obligations as people. Our collective voice as the second largest city in America sends a powerful message that this decision should be overturned," said Wendy Greuel.

"I hope you will join me in voting Yes on Proposition C on May 21st and send a clear message that corporations are not people," said Jose Gardea.

"Getting big money out of campaigns is the only way to make our democracy work for ordinary people. I strongly support the letter and spirit of Prop C and on the LA City Council will work to reform out of control and unfair Independent Expenditures," said Ana Cubas.

Thus far, in states, cities and counties across the US, voters who have had the opportunity to weigh in at the ballot box to overturn Citizens United have passed measures with huge success. Here are the results: Montana: 75% YES; Colorado: 74% YES; Massachusetts: 79% YES; Richmond, CA: 72% YES; San Francisco: 81% YES; Chicago: 74% YES; and Local Oregon Measures: 73-80% YES.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.